The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-05-21

captains whose merchantmen had sailed
to nearly every part of the habitable
globe. They had built fine houses nearer
the coast to be in sight of the sea. These,
with their families, constituted a peculiar
and interesting element of individuality
in the monotonous circle of what is term
ed "good society" in staid New England.
A hearty kindness, certain flavor of the
sea at it were, to be felt and enjoyed in
the breadth of their hospitality, made
their homes attractive.
Many time Frank and myself drop
ped in informally upon them during our
horseback rides or hunting expeditions,
soon feeling them to be old friends, so
familiar had been our intercourse during
these midsummer days.
A few nights after my arrival at the
"Elms" | had strange experience, which
was twice repeated before 1 gained any
right clue to the cause of it. A letter
| from Camilla received that day contain
ed quotation OF two lines from Spanish
song which we used to sing together. The
sweet pathetic sentiment, welded to it's
soft and flowing melody made it a favorite
in those tropical evenings, when my dar-
ling, bringing out her guitar, would sit by
my side aud add its music to her song.
The night was close and hot, and the
windows were left Enclosed. just as L
was sinking into sleep, soft and sweet the
strains of that passionately mournful
| Spanish song hoated around me- For
an instant 1 was reused to the conscious
ness of the music, but in another moment,
over-wearied by the long expedition OF the
day, lapsed into a sound and refreshing
sleep. The next morning the incident
had passed from my mind until glanc
ing at Camilla's letter lying on my dress
ing table recalled it. Upon reflection
was inclined to consider the matter as an
| Illusion caused by vivid remembrance
of the song as sung by Camilla, operating
upon my tired system in that way. Thus
deciding, L put the subject out of my
mind. A few nights after this, 1 was
awakened by the same music accompani-
ed by female voice of sweetness and pa
thos. The air was not the same thought
/ had previously heard In dream, but
it was familiar to me, as one often sung
on the Island. Who can be here that
understands Spanisb, and plays the gui-
tar? Surely not madam, nor could
suspect Miss Cynthia of any such roman
ticism. But who else was there likely to
understand Spanish and guitar practice?
l rose and went to the window over look
ing the garden but could see no one be-
low. The moment my sash was raised
the music ceased. Returning to bed, I
| lay and pondered what it could mean, and
| finally concluded some foreigner employ
ed in the factory, tempted by the beauty
of the night, had been traversing the
back road sometimes used by the opera
tivee, and the music, softened by dis
tance, had penetrated my room. Think
ing this l fell asleep.
AS previously described, one wing of
the house projected on line with the
was plainly visible, though at an oblique
angle from my windows. The next time
L heard what L began to term this magic
music, the moon was shining, and L was
sitting enjoying the loneliness of the
night. thinking how long it would be be-
fore l could see my darling Camilla;
counting the days intervening between
| then, and the time arranged for our meet
the front piazza until late hour, to en-
JOY the benefit OF the grateful GOODNESS
after the excessive heat of the day. 1t
was past midnight as l sat there, when
suddenly, again heard strains of music,
and this time Enthusiastically from the
depths of the yine-covered gallery of the
wing over looking the garden. 1t was a
woman's voice, singing slow pathetic,
melody, dirge like in its plaintive sweet
ness, and rising into a more passionate
pathos which seemed to cling to the notes
d.spairingly, until they died TREMENDOUSLY
away in the still night air. 1 sat motionless
drinking in the sweet touching melody,
my eyes fixed on the place from whence
it proceeded. The next moment L caught
slight glimpse of white drapery moving
behind the thick foliage. A door closed
with a faint sound, and all was silent.
Musing upon this singular development
ESQ romantic an episode in that staid old
mansion, connected with that empowered
wing, sought repose, but must confess
was kept awake by coniectures as to the
meaning of what 1 had seen and heard.
TO BE CONTINUED.